Huth awaits news on ankle problem

Middlesbrough defender Robert Huth was today waiting to learn just how serious his ankle injury is.

The 24-year-old was due to visit a specialist for an assessment of the ligament
damage which kept him out of the club's last game at Wigan.

Germany international Huth has been plagued by injuries since his £6million
arrival at the Riverside Stadium from Chelsea in August 2006.

However, he has established himself in the team in the wake of Jonathan
Woodgate's departure for Tottenham, forming solid partnerships with both England
Under-21 international David Wheater and Austrian Emanuel Pogatetz.

Both he and manager Gareth Southgate will hope for positive news from the
surgeon, although Boro are confident the current problem is not related to the
foot injury which proved so troublesome last season.

The Teessiders also hope to learn later this week exactly how long midfielder
Julio Arca will be sidelined by his ankle problem.

The 27-year-old was allowed to fly back to Argentina to consult a specialist
there, and a verdict is expected within days.